A public space in Western Sydney to watch the Socceroos play at the World Cup sounded like a great idea for football fans - that's until they found out they were going to be charged for privilege.

Centenary Square in Parramatta is set to broadcast all three of Australia's group games with organisers Global Public Events charging fans $20 for an adult ticket or $60 for family admission with no outside food or drinks allowed into the space.

The organisers of the event have defended the fee saying security made it necessary and that a lack of council funds meant a free event was never going to happen.

"There wouldn't have been anything [if it was free] because the council didn't have the funds for it; that's why they embraced us coming on board," Global Public Events co-founder Lui Spedaliere told the Sydney Morning Herald.